Food–Beverage

By Elizabeth King
February 24, 2026

First Watch CFO, who guided $1.2B company's IPO, to retire

First Watch is "well-positioned for continued and rapid growth," Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope says, upon announcing his retirement.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Elizabeth King
February 20, 2026

El Greco to return in south Sarasota

A Greek restaurant that had been in downtown Sarasota for decades will be reborn as the fast-casual concept El Greco Kitchen & Market.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
February 18, 2026

Port Charlotte retail site sold for $2M, to be developed as Whataburger

A Tampa developer bought the nearly 1-acre outparcel near a Target and is in process of redeveloping the property.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Elizabeth King
February 18, 2026

Investor buys noted Sarasota bar for $3.5M, pledges revitalization

The new owner of 975 Cattlemen Road plans to revive the Cock & Bull brand.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Eric Garwood
February 16, 2026

Two Wendy's coming to Manatee amid nationwide cutback

Palmetto and Parrish are getting new food options as the corporation weighs U.S. store closures.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Elizabeth King
February 10, 2026

Japanese 'hidden chef's counter' restaurant opening at UTC

Yugen will specialize in a traditional multi-course dining format.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Anastasia Dawson
February 9, 2026

Wright’s Gourmet House opens Tampa hospital location

The new restaurant, Wright’s first satellite location, will offer extended daily hours, an all-day espresso bar and grab-and go options.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Anastasia Dawson
February 6, 2026

Melting Pot celebrates milestone with brand makeover, merchandising

Tampa-based fondue chain Melting Pot is balancing a tight line: It aims to grow a new customer base while keeping the company’s more traditional diners satisfied.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Elizabeth King
February 5, 2026

After changes, Boar’s Head reopens plant tied to listeria outbreak

The Sarasota-based company renovated the plant in Virginia and implemented more stringent food safety protocols at its facilities nationwide.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
February 4, 2026

Darden to transform 4 Bahama Breeze eateries in region

As part of a move to eliminate the Caribbean inspired chain, it will rebrand 14 locations and close another 14.The four getting a rebrand in the region are in Tampa, Lutz, Brandon and Fort Myers.